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Posts for: July, 2016

It’s summer vacation time and while you’re packing for your getaway, Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care wants to remind you to pack a little bag for your feet. No matter where your vacation will be, there are a few items that will protect your feet and make them more comfortable:

Band aids and antibiotic ointment—in case you get a cut or scrape on your foot or a blister that bursts. If you do get a cut, don’t swim in lakes or oceans with it uncovered as bacteria from the water may cause an infection.

Moleskin—new sandals, long hikes or sweaty feet can all lead to blisters developing on your feet. Place a small piece of moleskin over any irritations before a blister develops and try not to wear the same pair of shoes again the next day

Antifungal powder—use daily to help keep feet dry and also fight against fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. If you tend to sweat profusely, pack extra socks and change when they get too damp.

Nail clippers and emery board—keep nails trimmed straight across and smooth any rough edges when you first notice them to avoid ingrown toenails.

Water bottle—believe it or not, drinking plenty of fluids is one way to help keep your feet and ankles from swelling up on hot days. Drinking lots of water will actually help flush excess fluid from your body.

It’s important to seek professional medical care if you have a problem with your feet or ankles while you are away. If you have an injury or notice any signs of infection—fever, red streaks, an area of the foot that swells and is hot to the touch—get a doctor where you are to check it. When you return, our podiatrists, Dr. Varun Gujral or Dr. Nrupa Shah will want to see you so contact us for a follow up appointment at our Monmouth Junction, Edison or Monroe office as soon as possible. Wishing all our patients happy travels this summer!

As we age it’s natural for the muscles, joints and ligaments of the feet and ankles to start to show some signs of wear and tear but at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care we know that you can lead an active life for many years if you take good care of your feet. Here are some tips to ensure good foot health for seniors:

Get in the habit of checking your feet daily. Many diseases and medical issues show up initially in the feet. Conditions such as diabetes, nerve issues, circulatory problems and arthritis can all begin with a foot problem. Changes in shape, color of skin or nails and any unusual lumps or other deformities should be brought to the attention of our podiatrist, Dr. Varun Gujral or Dr. Nrupa Shah.

Choose footwear wisely. Many foot disorders can be avoided by wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes. Women should avoid high heels which compress your toes and can also decrease balance and ankle stability. Your foot size may change as you age so get a professional to measure your feet and always buy to accommodate the bigger of your two feet.

Practice good foot care. Keep nails trimmed short and straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Wash feet daily and dry completely, especially between your toes. Moisturize your feet and use foot powder if you tend to sweat profusely.

Keep the blood flowing. Good circulation is critical to overall foot health. Be sure to elevate your feet when sitting or lying down. If you are sitting or riding in the car for extended periods of time take breaks to stretch and walk around. Don’t smoke as this decrease blood circulation.

If you are experiencing consistent pain or discomfort or just have questions about how to protect your feet as you age, contact our Edison, Monmouth Junction or Monroe office by calling 732-662-3050.

We’ve all been there—you have something that’s bothering you but you’re not sure it’s bad enough for you to call the doctor. At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care we would rather our patients make the call. Most podiatric injuries and conditions are best treated sooner rather than later. Here are some reasons to call the doctor:

Pain—pain is never normal. It’s okay to wait a day or two if you are experiencing new pain, particularly if you think you know the source (i.e. sore ankles after ice skating). However, constant pain or pain that comes and goes persistently, particularly after an injury, is an indicator that something is wrong.

Swelling

Changes in the color of your skin or nails

Unusual moles or changes in freckles or other spots on the skin of your feet or ankles

Excessive peeling or scaling of skin on the heel or foot

Skin that becomes so dry or irritated that cracks develop

Changes in nails: thickening, crumbling edges, spots, discoloration or debris under the nail

Abnormal looking shape of the foot or a deformity in the appearance of toes or ankles

Stiffness or loss of range of motion in a part of the foot

Signs of Infection

One of the biggest medical threats is infection. Recognize the indicators of infection: redness, particularly when accompanied by tenderness and heat, red streaks extending from a spot on the foot, pus or other discharge and fever. If you experience any signs of possible infection, it’s very important to call our Monmouth County, Edison or Monroe office immediately so that one of our podiatrists, Dr. Varun Gujral or Dr. Nrupa Shah can evaluate your condition.

If you are a patient with diabetes or other disease that compromises your immune or circulatory system, you should be extra vigilant about monitoring foot conditions. For these patients, even seemingly minor issues, such as blisters and athlete’s foot can become major medical problems if not treated at once. To contact us, call 732-662-3050. We promise to never make you feel like you shouldn’t have.

Did you know that almost 50% of patients who sprain their ankle once are likely to experience future ankle sprains or pain? At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care we want our patients to learn how to prevent ankle injuries. When an ankle sprain is not healed completely, the result can be chronic lateral ankle pain. You may experience symptoms of an ankle sprain: tenderness, pain on the outside of the ankle, swelling and stiffness in the ankle on a regular basis. For some people, the pain can be severe enough that it prevents them from participating in activities they want to do. Patients with this condition also feel as if their ankle is going to “give way,” and may twist their ankle easily when stepping onto uneven pavement or a hiking trail.

Stay Steady

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, make an appointment to see one of our foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Varun Gujral or Dr. Nrupa Shah. The foot doctor will want to examine your foot, take a medical history and find out more about your symptoms. Imaging studies, such as digital x-rays may be ordered. This is so the doctor can rule out other causes of ankle pain which can include a fracture, arthritis, tendon or joint lining inflammation.

Once the podiatrist has ruled out other possible causes of your ankle discomfort, you can take steps to strengthen your ankle and prevent future injuries. These may include:

Physical therapy and exercises that will help increase your range of motion and also strengthen the muscles that support the ligaments of your ankle

Steroid injections

A brace or some other kind of support to keep your ankle from twisting

If the cause of your chronic lateral ankle pain is a loose bone fragment or if the tear to the ligaments is severe, the foot doctor may recommend surgery to repair and strengthen your ankle.

To prevent additional ankle problems, finish the course of treatment your podiatrists prescribes. Do not return to sports or fitness activities until your foot doctor gives the okay and wear appropriate fitting and supportive shoes designed specifically for the sport you are playing.

If you have additional questions on how to protect your ankles, contact our Edison, Monroe or Monmouth Junction office by calling: 732-662-3050.